ESTERO AMERICANO COAST PRESERVE

In late December 2016, through the combined efforts of Sonoma Land Trust and other funding partners (State Coastal Conservancy, Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, and Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation) The Wildlands Conservancy acquired the 547-acre Estero Ranch. Located on the border of Sonoma and Marin Counties, this acquisition prevents habitat fragmentation from development and expands the California Coastal Trail, as well as recreational use of the Estero Americano.

Estero Americano Coast Preserve is a coastal prairie with a three-quarter-mile stretch of Pacific Ocean coastline. The property includes a one-mile section along the mouth of the Estero Americano estuary, which is part of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Due to its diverse assemblage of wetland communities and estuarine habitats, the property is recognized by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as one of the most significant habitat areas in the State.

The Preserve will provide a hiking experience through wild, coastal California with breathtaking views of the Estero Americano, Point Reyes, and Bodega Head, and offer prime wildflower and wildlife observation and whale watching opportunities.